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Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research for New Independent Investigators

The Investigator Research Supplement enables principal investigators with eligible NHLBI research grants/contracts to include recently appointed junior faculty (within 24 months) in their projects from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with high potential wishing to re-enter an active research career after taking time off for family responsibilities or other qualifying circumstances. Nationally, underrepresented groups in biomedical research careers include but are not limited to, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

The research proposed for the investigator is expected to be a defined research project which must be a logical extension of the parent grant/contract. The investigator must be given opportunities to interact with other individuals on the grant/contract, to contribute intellectually to the project, and to enhance his or her ability to compete for independent grant/contract support.

The investigator research supplement provides long-term research support for faculty members to enhance their research skills and establish an independent research career in biomedical, behavioral, biometric, clinical, nursing or social sciences. The investigator must have a doctoral level degree, have at least one full year of documented postdoctoral or equivalent research experience, and hold a recent junior faculty appointment (within 24 months). The award provides support for a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of 4 years. Full-time research effort (at least 40 hrs/wk or 75% effort) is required. However, individuals with clinical, other research, or teaching responsibilities may request a minimum of 50% research effort.

Appointment of more than one investigator supplement to a research grant, subproject of a program project grant (P01), or contract will depend on the nature of the parent grant/contract, the circumstances of the request, and the program balance of the NHLBI. A separate application must be submitted for each candidate provided adequate laboratory space and mentorship are assured.

Who is eligible? All principal investigators at U.S. institutions with eligible NHLBI research grants/contracts. The parent grant/contract should have 18 months or more remaining at the time the supplement is awarded.

The opportunities? Research training to establish independent research careers.

Duration of support? Requires a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of 4 years of support.

Where? At the principal investigator's institution or another institution.

Applications due? Applications should arrive at least three months before the requested start date, to allow time for review. Awards are made six times per year (December, February, April, June, August, and September). Principal Investigators are strongly encouraged to synchronize the start date for the supplement award and the budget start date for the parent grant. The NHLBI may synchronize the requested start date if it is within three months of the budget start date of the parent grant to eliminate more than one award being made in a single fiscal year. Synchronization does not apply to contracts.

Note: Applications requesting support by the end of the fiscal year (September 30) must be received by May 31. Please check the Guidelines for application receipt and award start schedule.

Salary: Maximum of $75,000 a year salary plus fringe benefits and a maximum of $10,000 a year for eligible supplies and travel. Up to $1,000 of this amount per year should be used for travel to scientific meetings. Equipment may not be purchased except in unusual circumstances and not without prior approval of the NHLBI.

Reasonable Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities: As a part of this award, funds may be requested to make changes or adjustments in the research setting that will make it possible for an otherwise qualified employee with a disability to perform the essential functions associated with his/her role on the project. The accommodations requested under this program must be DIRECTLY related to the performance of the proposed role on the research project and must be appropriate to the disabilities of the individual.

How to apply: Principal investigators should contact the NHLBI program administrator who administers the parent grant/contract or: